LGA initiative looks to create assurance framework for local government

The Local Government Association (LGA) has begun talks with the sector, professional associations, and various groups to map the elements that currently provide assurance of the performance of local government.

The objective behind this effort is to enhance clarity, transparency, and understanding of how these components interconnect, the LGA said.

It noted that currently there is no document or framework which sets out in one place the various required elements of council assurance and how they fit together.

A system-wide mapping of the different assurance elements will provide an opportunity to consider whether any of the current checks and balances could be simplified, improved or enhanced to provide greater assurance for the sector, the LGA added.

To undertake this mapping exercise, the LGA plans to convene discussions with members of the local government sector, representatives of professional associations, and others.

It will also engage with the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Commenting on the initiative, Cllr Abi Brown, Chairman of the LGA's Improvement and Innovation Board, said: "There are already many ways in which councils are held to account, including the ballot box, independent external audit and regulation, and the internal controls within local authorities.

"Councils also challenge and support each other continuously to improve, supported by the LGA. For example, LG Inform provides benchmarking information so that councils and the public can compare any council's performance with any other council or group of councils."

She also noted that the LGA's Corporate Peer Challenge provides robust, strategic and credible challenge and support to councils, and these reports are all published.

"But there is nothing that brings these different strands into one place, or demonstrates how they fit together.

"It is right therefore that the local government sector works together to describe and clarify the assurance framework so that the public and councils themselves can better understand how to gain assurance of the performance of local government."

Adam Carey